Make it Modern

Clean, simple, and uncluttered, modern is a beautiful word. But, like beauty, modern is challenging to define. Since the 16th century, when the word evolved from the Latin “modo,” meaning “just now,” modern has always been used to describe recent or present times. Which, of course, are constantly changing. Today, modern is shorthand for ideas, thoughts, and products that are new, fresh, and distinctive in their simplicity. Especially in the world of art and design, modern is in the eye of the beholder. Depending on one’s style and sensibility, modern design can mean classic, as in mid-century modern, contemporary, cutting edge—or all of the above.

Just as it’s done for centuries, the modern zeitgeist is continuing to influence the way we live. From architecture to materials, finishes, fixtures, and furnishings, today’s modern design is an invitation to live and work in uncluttered, light-filled spaces with a carefully edited, collection of art, books, and objects—or nothing at all. Even Restoration Hardware, after selling billions of dollars worth of European chateau-style home furnishings and accessories, is getting into the modern game with RH Moern, a collection of clean-lined furnishings, lighting, accessories, and other products. Says CEO Gary Friedman, “From antiques to architecture, from the environments we work in to the devices we work with, there is a modern sensibility that is influencing what we see and how we live in the world.”

At Cambria, our designers are on the same wavelength, channeling the spirit of modernity to develop Cambria Brittanicca™ and other exciting new designs that are perfectly at home in contemporary living environments. To view the complete portfolio of Cambria designs, visit our Design Palette.

Ready to be a modernist? Here’s how to get the look:

Create a Clean Slate. If you’re still living with circa-1990 sage green, Tuscan yellow, and deep burgundy interiors, it’s time for a fresh, new look. Consider a light, neutral palette of white or gray accented with dramatic black or dark charcoal, clear blue, and bright yellow.

Edit Your Environment. To enhance the light and create better flow in your spaces, pare back the furnishings in every room. Take your overstuffed sofa and shabby-chic style dining table and chairs to a consignment shop and start hunting for clean-lined pieces made of warm woods such as teak and walnut, and glass, and metal. If you’re ready to go all-in for the modern look, replace the upper cabinets in your kitchen with open shelving with an artful display of contemporary dishes and glassware.

Think Like a Curator. From art galleries to offices and living rooms, modern living environments are streamlined and uncluttered. Take a fresh look at your rooms and if they’re full of tchotchkes and other stuff, do a good clean-out. If you can’t bear to part with your collections, put the majority of the pieces away and display only a small portion of your treasures at a time.

Ready for more ideas and inspiration? Read our “Pure Style” story in the new issue of Cambria Style.